Non-Technical Group

The Communications and Business groups are comprised of key leaders, a Communications Manager and Assistant Communications Manager who are Claire Faccini and Yance Falkner respectively and a Business Manager, Chris Hoop. On the Communications side Claire and Yance are in charge of planning, delegating, and carrying out many different functions including: Media Relations, Public Awareness, Youth Education, Community Involvement, Influencer Relations, Social Media Activities, and University Relations. This group acts as a liaison of sorts between the engineering component and those in the public. Their mission is to create, maintain, and foster an awareness of the AVTC program, alternative technologies, and their team’s role in the state of Mississippi. For the Business group, Chris is in charge of handling and managing team aspects such as: budgeting, sponsorships, and keeping the team and its leaders in check with our running Gantt chart work plan. There are also other members who work with the leaders in all of their efforts.

Darius Mangum

Darius Mangum is a Junior majoring in Accounting at Mississippi State University. He is from Madison, Ms, and this is his first year on the EcoCAR team. Darius currently participates as part of the outreach group going to many of the events we hold throughout the year. He joined the team to learn and further his education, and network. Darius’s hobbies include riding horses, playing sports, eating food, and spending time with family.

Vina Nguyen

Vina Nguyen is a Junior who is double majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Physics. She plans to go on to a Masters program in one of the two disciplines, but also enjoys carrying out some of the communications and outreach functions of the team. As a double major who has also taken on the responsibility of a part time job, she has decided to align herself more with the Communications group for this year since it’s schedule is more flexible to work with hers. Vina is famous for bringing her home baked goods to the office and meetings.